Yvonne and I were talking on the phone the other day and I could sense that she was already thinking about bringing a new pet in to the house. Not that she could ever replace Carmie, but with Yvonne it's more when, than if, she gets another puppy of kitten.
Of course she still has sixteen year old Wibby Wabby at home, but if you're used to multiple pets one just won't do.
So, given that Wabby now rules the roost, how should Yvonne go about bringing home a new pet, particularly a new cat? We did a post on introducing a new pet not too long ago, but let me recap the highlights for Yvonne's situation.
Even though Wabby has been around for 16 years it sounds like she was probably number two in the pecking order. Maybe even number three since I'm not sure where Tom fits into the picture.
Yvonne tells me that Wabby has only recently ascended to sleeping in the bedroom and that Carmie used to carry Wabby around the house in her mouth when she was a kitten. So the upshot is that Wabby is experiencing a new world view now that she is Queen of the jungle. Bringing a new kitten into a newly established pecking order could cause problems. Probably not though, especially if we follow a few established procedures.
First of all a transition room to house the new family member is key.
This should be a room where the new kitty can be left alone with food, litter box, toys and sleeping accommodations. There should be a door to this room that can be closed securely. This room serves two purposes. First, it provides a secure environment for the new pet who is making a stressful transition all her own. Secondly, it provides a gradual introduction to the existing family pet or pets via smells and under the door encounters.
Those encounters can be encouraged and cultivated by tying two toys together with stout cord and leaving one sticking out on either side of the closed door. I like little dumb bell type toys with actual bells inside. This encourages interaction and the bells alert the humans that contact has been made.
Another useful introduction tool is a pheromone diffuser. This disperses cat friendly pheromones around the house and makes for a kinder, gentler household. It's best to start this before the new kitten of cat is brought home. Put one in the transition room and one in a common area in the house at least a week before you bring the new pet home. Most people I know use Feliway pheromone diffusers and seem to be happy with them.
It may also be helpful to use a towel or rag to help spread the cat's scent around. Try rubbing the top cat with the towel and then using the same towel to rub or groom the new arrival. If they get used to each others smells they may be more comfortable when they eventually get together.
Once you've got the pheromones circulating and you've made friendly contact through the transition room door for a few days, it's time to start thinking face to face encounters. These must be supervised at first. In fact, physical restraint in the form of cat carriers, harnesses and leashes and even windows, should be done first. If these encounters are friendly make sure everyone gets a favored treat to encourage detente.
If these encounters go well you can start leaving the transition room door open. Make sure there are enough litter boxes and feeding dishes so each cat has his own, initially. Climbing habitats are nice, too, and provide an escape route for the more submissive cat.
Usually these things go well and given Yvonne's background it should be an easy transition. I would envy the critter that gets to go home with Yvonne. Talk about winning the lottery.
Oh, and if she decides to bring home a puppy she should follow pretty much the same schedule. Or she can just plop the puppy down in the living room and let Wabby teach him who rules the roost. Dogs seem to require a few face slaps to fully understand the basic supremacy of the feline.
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